Dwell Mag Editor Moves on, v2.0 over, v3.0 to come

Credit due - I saw it first on TreeHugger:

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/08/change_at_the_h_1.php

Allison Arieff, who took over as Editor after the departure of the 1st Editor, Karrie Jacobs, has left Dwell Magazine. The magazine enjoyed incredible growth under her tenure there. Following the distinctive Fruit Bowl Manifesto mission set forth under Ms. Jacobs in the magazines debut Dwell launched a series of initiatives into Prefabrication and Dwell sponsored home projects under Ms Arieff's editorial lead.

Its definitely been an exciting time and I look forward to where the magazine goes now.

Wow!

I can't get through to Dwell. In the meantime, of course, the Dwell forums are welcome to be hosted at LiveModern.

Speaking of that, the new forum software is done (very minor bug fixes pending). We have offered a contract to a consultant to migrate the entire site (along with the forums) to an upgraded version of the software. It will be fast when done, even it it is taking a while to make it all right. I hope we can be all through with the migration by October 1.

I trust that Dwell 3.0 and LiveModern 3.0 will grow together, along with the movement toward modern.

Marshall

that isn't the whole story, though. according to the [url href="http://www.mediabistro.com/unbeige/revolving_door/allison_arieff_to_dwell_elsewhere_42594.asp"]Unbeige design blog[/url] on Mediabistro.com, they received the following e-mail from Allison: "The strategic direction of Dwell has been changing and its fundamental mission compromised. I left because if I wasn't able to continue the creative work my team and I had been doing, I couldn't in good conscience, continue to do my job. I will very much miss working with my amazing creative team and am so proud of what i was able to accomplish with them at Dwell. And now, I am looking forward to the next chapter..." Wonder what that change and compromise is? Maybe those Hummer ads finally got to her...

Well, that isn't the whole story either, but thanks for the reference (corrected URL). I guess we are still waiting on both halves of it.

MArshall

I think that DWELL's philosophy changed when the magazine didn't want to handle there own forums. DWELL's forums were the backbone of the magazine when it first started out. The forums were what made us feel like we were part of something special, like we had something to say about what was in the magazine. No offence intended to Marshall, but the point Live Modern took over, the total vibe changed. Dwell was profitable, and they didn't really need us any more.
Sorry for my little rant and venting, but it's just the way I feel.

No offense taken, Greg.

But I do think that some clarification is in order. The vibe of the community may have been different 2 years ago when the forums were actually hosted by Dwell, but I think that's becasue there had been a history there of Dwell staff actively listening and even participating in the forums. By the time that they had shut them down (and we offered to host them), they had stopped particiipating, and some would say even listening. Instead, they saw the forums as more of a pain in the ass to manage than it was worth. Since Dwell was not listening then, the vibe had already changed.

When I asked Allison if she'd be interested in us hosting the forums, it was based on the argument that each could focus on their core competencies. To her credit for which I will always be thankful, she agreed. Dwell is primarily a print publisher, with very centralized editorial direction and little reader interactivity. LiveModern is an electronic publisher with no central editorial direction and only reader interactivity. Each has benefited from this focus, and I expect that will continue in the future. Both have grown rapidly (well, LiveModern not as rapidly as Dwell), are doing well, and will do well to complement each other's approaches in the future.

Allison did an amazing job of growing Dwell (look at your collection, and how each issue has grown!). I have no idea why she left, but let's hope that Dwell 3.0 publishes what its readers really want. As for LiveModern, I think you'll find our improvements over the fall and winter—and not just the forums—will make it much easier and faster for everyone to publish their experiences, questions, resources, connections and aspirations.

Marshall

more discussion of this (and more links to other coverage) [url href=http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/news/dwell-shakeup-arieff-walks-in-protest-012062#comments]here[/url]

Well, I received the latest issue and then promptly left it at one of my kid's swim lessons. I have not been able to find a replacement on the news stand yet, but I do remember reading in the editor's note that Dwell was revamping their web site and wanted to include some way by which they could better connect with their readers. Did I read this right? If so, don't they have that here (not that they ever participated)?

I lent my issue, so i don't have it for reference either. But the Dwell web site did undergo a complete facelift recently. I think the link to these forums is more prominent, which I appreciate.

Marshall

Maybe a new editor will push for embracing the web more than Allison did.

Greg, I think Allison was probably the best thing for Dwell as a magazine, but I have to completely agree with you...their arrogant behavior in how they handled the destruction of their online community was embarassing and insulting.

Marshall...congrats on the software update. Without a doubt, having the new software will help your site grow. Good luck with the migration!

Allison did an amazing job of growing Dwell (look at your collection, and how each issue has grown!).

In all fairness, a huge part of that 'growth' is more ads. Which, of course, is good for business. ;o)

I wish there were magazines and TV programs that are more how to and reveal construction prices for homes and projects. There are some great projects featured but it always leaves me wondering, Yeah, spend 700k+ and you CAN have everything! It seems that most mod homes featured in articles and on tv are architects' personal homes. Architects are obviously valuable and necessary but it would be nice to sprinkle in the owner perspective. Are there any average joe modernist homes to be featured? Splatgirl should have her home featured. The build blog was great! That would bring modern homes one step closer to everyone. I like the challenge of modern for less, like finding a good wine for a great price.

Here it is on page 53:

...we started thinking about how our readers could connect more with us, and with each other. With the launch of our new website, dwell.com, we hope to create more vital ways to interact with our readers. Beyond that we are working to bring Dwell readers together, the hope that local chapters will form, creating alliances that make living, working and embarking on on modern building projects a little easier.

Is she, Lara Hedberg Deam (owner and founder of Dwell), not describing LiveModern almost exactly? Might they now want to buy LiveModern? As a contributor, do I get a cut?!

We'll see what the offer is...

Marshall

Apparently Allison has landed with both feet on the ground, at the New York Times. Too bad her blog is accessed by subscription only (what's with that?)!

MArshall

aw nuts! no access.